Athletic coach Gab Reznik is demonstrating specific workouts designed to help people taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications maintain their muscle mass.
Preserving lean tissue is critical because the rapid weight loss associated with these drugs often includes the loss of muscle alongside fat. Without targeted intervention, the body may sacrifice muscle mass, which can impact metabolic health and physical strength.
GLP-1 medications have seen widespread adoption for weight management. In the UK, an estimated 1.6 million people were using these weight-loss drugs in 2024 [2]. While the medications are effective for reducing overall body mass, the composition of that loss varies.
Research indicates that weight loss attributable to GLP-1 drugs can range from 15% to 60% of total weight lost [1]. This significant percentage highlights the risk of muscle wasting if patients do not incorporate strength training into their routines.
Reznik focuses on exercises that protect against this decline. The approach emphasizes strength training to signal the body to retain muscle while the medication handles the reduction of fat stores. By combining the pharmacological effects of GLP-1s with physical resistance, users may achieve a healthier body composition.
Experts said that the combination of a high-protein diet, and consistent exercise is the most effective way to mitigate the side effects of rapid weight loss. The goal is to ensure that the weight lost comes primarily from adipose tissue rather than skeletal muscle.
“GLP-1 drugs can cause rapid weight loss that includes muscle loss.”
The rise of GLP-1 medications is shifting the focus of weight loss from simple calorie restriction to the preservation of lean body mass. As millions of users adopt these drugs, the medical community is increasingly emphasizing 'quality' of weight loss over the total number on the scale to prevent long-term metabolic slowdown and frailty.
